A few years ago, nerve inflammation or neuritis represented a long ordeal for patients because in the majority of cases affected there were no visible physical impairments. It was only with the development of modern medical devices that it was also possible to clearly diagnose nerve inflammation.
What is nerve inflammation?
The inflammation of the nerves, which is also known as neuritis in medical jargon, sometimes specifically affects individual regions of the body such as the extremities, the head or the trunk or can affect the entire body. See phonecations for All You Need to Know About Suspension Trauma.
The nerve inflammation is particularly distressing when it has manifested itself in the face. In the case of nerve inflammation, inflammatory processes occur on the peripheral nerves or on a so-called cranial nerve. In addition, the term nerve inflammation also applies to the destruction of organs or nerves, symptoms of poisoning and pathological changes caused by an accident.
Depending on the number of nerves involved in nerve inflammation, a distinction is made between polyneuropathy (poly=many) and polyneuritis.
Causes
Nerve inflammation can be triggered and promoted by other causes. The main reasons that contribute to nerve inflammation are damage to the autonomic and peripheral nerves.
These dysfunctions or irritations are caused by toxins from the environment as well as toxins from the body’s own metabolism and addictive substances. In addition, nerve inflammation is a typical side effect of multiple sclerosis. In addition, undersupply of the organism with minerals and vitamins lead to nerve inflammation. Injuries to the nerves or the disruption of their normal anatomical course, deep wounds or the after-effects of complex operations can also lead to nerve inflammation.
If mechanical pressure is exerted on certain nerve areas permanently and permanently due to poor posture or overload, this overstimulation of the nerves can show up as local nerve inflammation. Various viruses and mental stress can also trigger nerve inflammation.
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
Nerve inflammation can cause different symptoms depending on the extent. These range from slight discomfort to severe functional disorders of important parts of the body. A tingling sensation in certain parts of the body is considered a typical symptom of possible nerve inflammation. In a more pronounced form, those affected often compare it to the tingling sensation of ants.
A sensory disturbance such as an unnatural sensation of warmth or cold is also one of them. Another sign of nerve inflammation can be numbness. Unexplained feelings of oppression or pressure can also occur. In many cases, an electrifying feeling is described. In addition, muscle twitches, which can be obvious, can be a sign of nerve inflammation.
The disorder can also manifest itself through effects on fine motor skills, such as frequent dropping of objects. Symptoms that indicate nerve inflammation include circulatory disorders and excessive sweating. As a rule, pain sets in, which can also be more severe. Unpleasant feelings such as stinging, tearing, and burning can affect the sufferer.
Dizziness and muscle weakness are also possible symptoms of nerve inflammation. Muscle weakness can be a sign of impending paralysis. In severe cases, functional disorders of body organs can also occur and cause vegetative failures. Movement restrictions and general hypersensitivity are also among the symptoms that occur in the event of nerve inflammation.
course of the disease
Inflammation of the nerves always takes a different course depending on the affected nerve regions. Nevertheless, the courses are always characterized by pain, which leads to a massive restriction in mobility and well-being.
The first signs that can herald a nerve inflammation are local paresthesias, which can also occur in several nerves at the same time. In the case of nerve inflammation, those affected often suffer from a tingling sensation, twitching of the nerves occurs and the nerve areas become numb.
Often the body parts involved are also cool. Depending on the type of inflamed nerve, paralysis occurs in addition to the abnormal sensations and disturbances of sensitivity. In this context, the symptoms of paralysis associated with nerve inflammation are not always to be expected, but they are classic for polyneuropathy or multiple sclerosis.
Complications
Nerve inflammation or neuritis can result in a wide variety of complications. They usually affect those parts of the body that are supplied by the inflamed nerve. A frequently occurring consequence of nerve inflammation is the undersupply of organs.
This in turn causes functional impairments or even failure of the affected organs. If nerves that supply the skin are affected, sensory disturbances often appear in the diseased areas. It can also cause discomfort or tingling on the skin.
It is not uncommon for the neuritis to spread to other parts of the body. In extreme cases, the damage to the nerves can no longer be reversed. The death of the nerve is also within the realm of possibility. In the case of a tooth infection, there is talk of a “dead tooth” that requires a root treatment. In the worst case, the infected tooth may be lost.
Nerve inflammation sometimes also affects the behavior of the affected person. The patient can behave sadly as well as aggressively. This often has a negative impact on social relationships. A serious complication is the occurrence of severe pain throughout the body.
Weiterhin drohen Durchblutungsstörungen, die manchmal sogar lebensgefährliche Zustände herbeiführen. Zu den schwersten Folgeerscheinungen der Neuritis zählen der Schlaganfall sowie der Herzinfarkt. Ferner sind aufgrund einer Nervenentzündung Lähmungserscheinungen möglich. Ohne eine fachgerechte medizinische Behandlung besteht die Gefahr von dauerhaften Lähmungen.
Wann sollte man zum Arzt gehen?
Ein Arztbesuch ist anzuraten, wenn der Betroffene unter körperlichen Beeinträchtigungen leidet. Ein Arzt ist immer dann zu konsultieren, wenn die Beschwerden plötzlich auftreten, anhaltend sind oder zunehmen.
A doctor should be consulted in the event of physical complaints such as sensory disorders on the skin, numbness or hypersensitivity. A doctor is needed if pain, mobility disorders or restricted mobility occur.
Nerve inflammation triggers an undersupply of the organs or other areas of the organism. General functioning or thought processes are impaired. A doctor should be consulted as soon as there are malfunctions in individual systems. Concentration and attention deficits, a decrease in physical and emotional resilience, overreactions and disorders of the sensory organs must be clarified. An inner restlessness, irritability or the inability to complete everyday duties must be presented to a doctor. Without medical care, the level of suffering increases and well-being decreases drastically. If the inflammation spreads continuously in the body, a doctor is needed.
Treatment & Therapy
From a conventional medical point of view, nerve inflammation is a primary therapy. This is selected depending on the causal relationships. In addition to special medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers are also used . If the patient’s condition does not improve, then the drug measures for the nerve inflammation are combined with a so-called pain therapy treatment. This is particularly appropriate when it comes to the chronic form of nerve inflammation.
In addition, psychotropic drugs, local anesthetics for the pain, physiotherapy exercises when paralysis is present or incipient, and treatments with electrical stimulation are used. Nerve inflammation can often be treated with alternative methods, including acupuncture. Since nerve inflammation can have not only physical but also psychological causes, psychological methods for treating nerve inflammation are often helpful in combination with other therapeutic measures.
If patients suffer from neuroinflammation due to a metabolic disease, diet is a suitable causal therapy. A blockage of the nerve can alleviate or heal a nerve inflammation as the last therapeutic variant.
Outlook & Forecast
Further development of neuritis is favorable in most patients. Drug therapy supports the healing process and often results in freedom from symptoms within a few days or weeks. The active ingredients of the medicines fight the triggering pathogens and support the body’s immune system in its work. Existing bacteria or germs die off and are then automatically removed from the organism. At the same time, there is a gradual improvement in general health until recovery occurs.
Without medical care, the prognosis can be worse. The existing pathogens can spread in the organism and lead to an increase in existing health irregularities, especially in people with a weakened immune system. In particularly severe cases, a life-threatening condition threatens. Patients at risk include children, the elderly or patients with serious underlying diseases. The prognosis for them is potentially worse.
In the case of an underlying mental illness, the prospect of a cure is also reduced. The reasons for the mental state must be found and treated so that the health irregularities can be alleviated. In most cases, long-term therapy is necessary to improve health. In addition, the further course depends on the cooperation of the patient.
Prevention
Nerve inflammation can be prevented with modern, highly effective, well-tolerated medications and by changing your lifestyle. Poor posture, overloading of the nerves due to monotonous and permanently one-sided activities, too much stress, too little relaxation and physical exercise can promote nerve inflammation in the long term. A balanced and healthy diet is also a good prophylaxis against nerve inflammation.
If nerve inflammation persists for a longer period of time, further treatment is necessary. While neuralgia generally causes temporary pain, neuritis often develops into permanent pain. In the case of a chronic course, symptoms such as circulatory disorders, muscle weakness, restricted mobility or functional disorders of organs are treated with medication and pain therapy treatments in the aftercare. Intensive follow-up treatment involving various specialist disciplines can significantly improve the healing results. In addition to medical treatment, multimodal concepts also include individually adapted procedures such as movement therapy, mobilizing massages or physiotherapy strengthening exercises.
Aftercare
Aftercare for nerve inflammation can also include psychological and behavioral medicine measures, because the psyche is also involved in chronic pain. In pain therapy, for example, habits that increase pain can be uncovered and replaced with health-promoting behavior. Special patient training courses support those affected with specific instructions for relaxation exercises that prevent inflammatory processes.
In order to achieve freedom from symptoms or relief from neuralgia and neuritis, the doctor or therapist can also recommend accompanying therapies such as acupuncture as part of the follow-up treatment. Regular visits to the doctor allow subsequent symptoms to be identified and treated at an early stage. Follow-up care adapted to the type of nerve inflammation aims to guide the patient to self-help measures. To counteract oxidative stress, for example, an anti-inflammatory diet can have a supportive effect.
You can do that yourself
Which self-help measures patients can take with nerve inflammation also depends on what form the disorder has taken and what symptoms occur.
If a polyneuropathy is present, which is accompanied by diffuse pain all over the body, in allopathy painkillers are usually administered first in addition to antibiotics. In naturopathy, willow bark and preparations based on it are recommended for acute or chronic nerve pain. Willow bark contains acetylsalicylic acid, the same active ingredient as many conventional painkillers. Willow bark and willow bark preparations are considered gentler and better tolerated. In particular, stomach irritation should occur less frequently. Willow bark can be drunk as a tea. In addition, tablets and drops based on willow bark are now also available in pharmacies and health food stores.
When treating local neuritis, patients often report improvement with acupuncture. For many of those affected, heat or cold applications also bring some relief. Gel compresses are suitable for this, which can either be heated in hot water or cooled in the refrigerator. Cold compresses are generally preferable for nerve inflammation, which the individual responds to better, but can only be clarified by using both methods first.
If the neuritis is accompanied by paralysis, it is important that the patient starts physiotherapy in good time in order to maintain mobility in the affected parts of the body and to regain it as completely as possible.
